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The ancient Chinese compass was called different things depending on the method used, but in the case of the fish compass, it was called that because the metal they used was cut into the shape of a fish to show directionality.

Essentially:

  • A sliver of steel or iron cut in a pointed shape, preferably the outline of a fish.
  • Prepared by heater very red hot and quenched while being held pointed south
  • When the compass is to be used a small bowl is filled with water and the tiny sliver of metal is placed on the water. The surface tension supports it and it will function as a compass pointing south.
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13y ago

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